On October 18, the Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) announced that recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), impacted by the menace of electronic benefit theft, will have good news.
The Georgia DHS has secured federal approval to replace electronically stolen SNAP benefits -known as food stamps-, and this approval is a beacon of hope for recipients who have been unfortunate victims of card skimming, card cloning, and similar fraudulent activities. The core objective is to make the replacement process as seamless as possible for those affected by fraud.
Requesting a New EBT Card or PIN to Get Snap Benefits Replaced
If you reside in Georgia, and you suspect that your SNAP benefits have been stolen due to fraudulent activities, it’s crucial to take swift action. SNAP recipients who find themselves in this unfortunate situation should initiate the process by requesting a new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and Personal Identification Number (PIN).
SNAP recipients who believe they are victims of fraudulent activities should not hesitate to request a replacement of their stolen benefits. This can be accomplished by completing and returning a “Request for Replacement of Stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits” form. To do this, you can also simply call 1-888-421-3281. The process has been streamlined to ensure efficiency and prompt resolution.
To facilitate the process, individuals have the option to complete and submit the form on the DFCS website. Alternatively, they can visit a local DFCS office to obtain a printed copy. For those who cannot print the form at home or visit a local office, there’s a convenient option to call 1-877-423-4746 or their local DFCS office and have the form mailed to their address.
Who Qualifies for Food Stamps in Georgia?
The food stamps program is designed to provide assistance to Georgian households with limited income and resources, comprehending single individuals, families, or unrelated individuals who share the responsibility of purchasing and preparing meals together. SNAP benefits can be used for purchasing food items at any store displaying the EBT/Quest sign.
Senior citizens aged 60 and above, whose households rely on fixed incomes like Social Security Income (SSI), and have members who are not actively employed, may be eligible for Senior SNAP. To obtain more information on this specialized program, you can contact the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at 877-423-4746. If you have hearing impairments, please utilize GA Relay at 800-255-0135 for assistance, and remember that these services are provided free of charge.
You’ll be asked to provide proof of identity, date of birth, Social Security Number, and citizenship or immigration status of all the household’s members to be covered. Also, you’ll be asked to explain what’s your employment status and income, criminal background, if any (Examples: probation, parole, felony conviction), proof of household income (Examples: pay stub, child support payments) and expenses (Examples: utilities, medical bills, child care receipts).
You can start your process using the official application in English, Spanish, and in other languages. Apply online only in the official website, once again, to avoid scams.